Polk County staff to use indexed landfill disposal rate of $46/ton and yard‑waste rate of $36.50/ton for FY2026 budget planning

At the May 12 work session the county manager and solid waste staff presented a landfill‑rate proposal for inclusion in the fiscal year 2026 budget. The rate structure, presented at the board's direction, begins with a disposal rate of $46 per ton effective in fiscal year 2026 and an annual indexing of 5 percent. For yard waste the board directed a rate of $36.50 per ton effective Oct. 1, 2025, with a 5 percent annual index.

Dale (county staff) explained the plan is intended to fund planned capital improvements and community cleanup reserves. The model shown to the board used an opening unrestricted reserve balance (as presented) and projected drawdown in early years to fund a capital improvement program (CIP) and then rebuilding of reserves in later years. County management said funding for the fiscal‑year CIP is necessary to keep projects on schedule and that indexation helps address capital, operating and storm cleanup exposure.

Commissioners discussed the approach and acknowledged the county has not increased disposal rates at the North Central Landfill in roughly 15 years. One commissioner said if storm frequency subsides the board could consider lowering rates in the future; staff noted the county is pursuing reimbursements from federal and state sources for recent storms and that reimbursements, when received, will replenish reserves.

Staff said they will reflect the indexed rate structure in the FY2026 revenue estimates and that municipalities and major customers will be notified. No formal single recorded roll‑call vote was taken in the transcript for this item; the presentation was recorded as implementing the board direction provided at the Friday agenda review.